Zieria involucrata (a shrub) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the shrub, Zieria involucrata R. Br. ex Benth.as an ENDANGERED SPECIES in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act, and as a consequence, to omit reference to Zieria involucrata R. Br. ex Benth. from Schedule 2 (Vulnerable Species) of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Zieria involucrata R. Br. ex Benth. (family Rutaceae) is described by Armstrong, J. A. and Harden G. J (2002) in Harden, G. (ed.). Flora of New South Wales. Vol. 2. University of NSW Press, p. 287 as: Tall, erect shrub; branches stellate-pubescent, not warted. Leaves dimorphic, generally 1-foliate and 3-foliate leaves on the same branches, more rarely all leaves 1-foliate; leaflets variable, oblong to elliptic or lanceolate, 30-55 mm long, 6-15 mm wide, apex obtuse, margins entire, more or less flat; pubescent, upper surface dark green, lower surface grey-green; petiole 3-10 mm long. Inflorescences generally shorter than leaves, 3-21 flowered; primary bracts persistent, more or less enclosing the flowers, 7-12 mm long. Calyx lobes more or less triangular, 3-4.5 mm long, pubescent. Petals 3.5-5 mm long, imbricate, white, pubescent. Cocci stellate-pubescent, not warted, lacking an appendage. Flowers spring.

2. Zieria involucrata is a NSW endemic that occupies a restricted geographic area. It is restricted to less than 20 populations within the Sydney region between Yengo National Park in the north and Marramarra National Park in the south. The species also occurred in the Katoomba district, at least until the 1980's. The total population size is estimated to be approximately 3000 mature individuals.

3. At least six populations occur within conservation reserves (Yengo National Park, Wollemi National Park, Marramarra National Park) and an additional three populations occur within Parr State Conservation Area.

4. The species is threatened by inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion, and populations outside conservation reserves are threatened by clearing for urban development.

In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Zieria involucrata R. Br. ex Benth. is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 13/12/02
Exhibition period: 13/12/02 - 31/01/03